News and Stories

Young adults in the Okanagan are now one-step closer to being linked with potential employers thanks to the ongoing support from RBC Foundation. RBC began funding the YMCA’s employment programs in 2019 to deliver on their commitment to connect young people with community leaders and partners across the private and public sectors and to help them be successful in todays’ workforce. 

My desire to help others started when I was very young, specifically when I saved a baby from drowning at the young age of 8. As soon as I rescued them from the water, they began crying. The mother ran over and looked at me with these big thank you eyes, and it was then that I realized I had done something right. Suddenly I felt like a hero.

After leaving my hometown at the age of 17 in pursuit of a better life, I found myself pregnant, alone, and heading down a path that I knew would make me unhappy. I desperately wanted to pursue my education and build a better life for my child than I had growing up, but the odds were stacked against me. 

Graduating from university is always scary, but during a pandemic, it’s particularly frightening. During my final year, I kept hearing statistics about people being fired or laid off, and how unemployment was on the rise. I felt completely lost and didn't want to become another statistic with a large amount of debt.

What is your name?  Nick Mansfield. What is your position with the Y?  Centre Manager. What Y Centre/program do you work with?  H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre. Please explain one fond memory you have of the Y.

A three-year gift totaling over $200,000 by the Stober Foundation to the YMCA of Okanagan has ensured that we could continue to deliver essential services to those faced with uncertainty, isolation and reduced physical and mental health caused by the pandemic.